Mauritius places a significant emphasis on protecting its coastal zones and oceans, vital for its biodiversity, economy, and cultural heritage. The following case studies demonstrate Mauritius' proactive approach to coastal and ocean conservation, which is critical given its extensive and diverse marine ecosystems. Each project aims to protect these valuable resources while promoting sustainable use that benefits both the environment and the local communities:
Coral Reef RestorationCase Study: "Community based coral culture project in the Republic of Mauritius" This project involves coral farming and transplantation to restore damaged reefs around the island. The initiative also enhances marine biodiversity, which is crucial for fisheries and tourism. | |
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)Case Study: "Blue Bay Marine Park" Blue Bay Marine Park is one of Mauritius's key MPAs, protecting diverse marine life by regulating activities that could damage the ecosystem, such as fishing and boating. The park serves as a model for balancing conservation efforts with sustainable tourism. Also https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/1744 For Blue Bay legislation | https://nairobiconvention.org/clearinghouse/sites/default/files/MPA%20Outlook_Republic%20of%20Mauritius.pdf |
Mangrove ReforestationCase Study: "The SOS Mangrove Programme" Aimed at combating coastal erosion and improving fish habitats, this initiative focuses on planting mangroves along vulnerable coastlines. It also involves community education programs to raise awareness about the benefits of mangroves for coastal protection and biodiversity. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u_Ya3onvIk |
Fisheries ManagementCase Study: "The Mauritius ECOFISH project" The UNDP, Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly work closely with local fishers to enhance their livelihoods while maintaining marine biodiversity. See also the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) https://fiti.global/taking-stock-online-transparency-assessment-for-mauritius And EDB on fishing quotas https://edbmauritius.org/fr/blue-economy | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9inCFUY44UQ |
Pollution Control MeasuresCase Study: "Port Louis Harbor Environmental Policy" The implementation of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System includes proactive waste management and resource conservation initiatives like recycling e-waste and establishing a rainwater harvesting system. Monitoring air and water quality is crucial at the port. Additionally, port stakeholders have collaborated with the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by signing a Port Environment Charter, reinforcing their dedication to a better port environment. See also Green Initiatives at Port Louis Harbour and Quality Policy | From https://unctad.org/system/files/non-official-document/cimem9_2022_P14_DHUNNOO.pdf |
Sea Turtle ConservationCase Study: "Mauritius Sea Turtle Protection Program" This program protects nesting beaches and implements satellite tracking of sea turtles to understand their migration patterns better and reduce threats. The program includes local and tourist education components to foster a protective attitude towards sea turtles. See also Conservation of Threatened Marine Megafauna Species in Mauritius, Mauritius Marine Conservation Society, THE FISHERIES AND MARINE RESOURCES ACT 2007 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OamkouR8F5M |
Public Awareness CampaignsCase Study: "Ocean and Beach Conservation Awareness Campaigns" Nationwide campaigns include educational programmes in schools, community workshops, beach clean-ups, and media presentations. These raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and what individuals can do to help protect the marine environment. Other Examples: #RespectkteMoris campaign https://sus-island.com/fight-against-pollution-with-respektemoris/ See the report on plastic pollution by the Indian Ocean Commission https://www.commissionoceanindien.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mauritius-Report3_Reduction-of-MPP_EN-FINAL-1.pdf http://www.mmcs-ngo.org/en/ and http://www.mmcs-ngo.org/en/projects/marine-mammals/awareness.aspx http://www.mauritiusolympic.org/en/mauritius-clean-seas-campaign/ awareness with sports Community based coral culture in the Republic of Mauritius by the MOI includes public awareness campaign | Launching the Clean-Up the World Campaign 2018 |
Integrated Coastal Zone ManagementCase Study: "Le Morne Coastal Management Plan" This plan addresses coastal management in the Le Morne area, focusing on erosion control, sustainable tourism, and habitat protection. It involves collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure a coordinated approach to coastal management. | https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12237343.pdf |
Eco-friendly TourismCase Study: "Eco-certified Hotels Initiative" Several hotels in Mauritius have obtained eco-certification by adopting practices like water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. These hotels serve as examples of how the tourism industry can operate sustainably and protect the coastal environment. | Examples https://mauritiusnow.com/sustainability/ https://www.beachcomber-hotels.com/en/environmental-responsibility 5 best eco hotels Mauritius https://travelconscious.co/five-best-eco-hotels-in-mauritius/ |
